BMW X4 Tailgate Malfunction: Hall Sensor or Something Else?

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2013 BMW X3 last year. I have some experience working on cars, but electrical issues aren't really my forte. The symptoms were exactly like what you're describing. My tailgate was acting up, sometimes not responding at all. Took it to my regular workshop, and turns out it was just a loose connection in the wiring harness for the tailgate mechanism. The mechanic found a damaged cable that was causing intermittent connectivity issues. Total repair cost was 95 Euro, mostly labor for diagnosing and fixing the connection. Before diving deeper, could you share what error code you're getting? Also, does your tailgate make any unusual sounds when you try to operate it? This would help understand if we're dealing with the same problem or if yours might be something different.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My X4 is showing similar symptoms, though I'm getting error code E375 on the system. When operating, there's a slight grinding noise before it stops responding. I just had my regular service done at 78747 KM last month, but this issue started recently. The wiring harness check sounds like a good starting point, definitely less scary than replacing the entire sensor unit! Does anyone know if checking the wiring connections is something that can be done without specialized tools?

Hey again! Sorry to hear you're still having trouble with your X4. That grinding noise you mentioned is definitely different from what I experienced with my X3, mine was just dead silent when it failed. The error code E375 is also different from what I had (mine showed E371). Given these differences, I'm now thinking it might not be just a loose connection like in my case. The grinding noise could indicate a mechanical issue with the drive mechanism itself. Since you mentioned it started after your recent service, I wonder if something got misaligned during the maintenance. I initially thought about suggesting a DIY check of the wiring, but with that grinding noise, I wouldn't recommend poking around without proper tools. Even though I'm pretty comfortable with basic car maintenance, I learned my lesson about messing with these complex mechanisms the hard way. Had to pay extra to fix what I messed up trying to save money! Have you noticed if the grinding noise is louder when it's colder outside? Also, does the tailgate stop at different positions each time, or does it always stop at the same point? This info might help narrow down whether it's mechanical or electrical. Looking back, I probably should have mentioned earlier that these newer BMW tailgate systems are pretty complex with multiple failure points. Might be worth getting it properly diagnosed at a shop that specializes in BMW electronics.

Thanks for the detailed follow-up! You've actually made me rethink trying to fix this myself. You're right, the grinding noise is definitely concerning, and I don't want to risk making things worse by poking around without proper knowledge. Now that you mention it, the tailgate does tend to stop at different positions, and the grinding seems worse in the morning when the car's been sitting overnight. I've just booked an appointment with a BMW specialist for next week. The service advisor mentioned they've seen similar issues before, so fingers crossed it won't be too complicated or expensive. I appreciate you sharing your experience and talking me out of a DIY attempt, sounds like that could've been a costly mistake! I'll update the thread once I get it sorted out, might help someone else with similar issues down the line.